Abstract: An arc runner structure is described for an arc spinner type of interrupter wherein the arc runner is in series with an electrical coil which is closely coupled to the arc runner. The coil current and a circulating current induced in the arc runner produce a magnetic field in an arcing space where the magnetic field interacts with the arc current to produce a Lorentz force which rotates the arc around the arc runner and relative to a cool static dielectric gas, in order to extinguish the arc. A high Lorentz force is desired since this produces a higher arc spinning speed and thus improved interruption operation. The magnetic field strength produced, and its relative phase shift with respect to the arc current, is controlled by the inductance of the arc runner, its mutual coupling to the coil and the resistance of the arc runner. These parameters determine the induced current in the arc runner for a given configuration.

Abstract: A moving contact structure for an arc spinner type of interrupter is provided with a flow channel which communicates with the arcing region and permits the flow of arc plasma away from the arcing region during interruption. The flow channel in one embodiment of the invention is defined by openings near the end of a hollow elongated movable contact part. In a second embodiment of the invention, a restricted volume is provided behind the arcing contact and this volume is expanded during the interruption process to produce a negative pressure during the interruption process which will promote the flow of arc plasma away from the arc space and into the region behind the arcing contact.

Abstract: A single arcing ring of a chromium copper alloy is used for an arc spinner type of circuit interrupter.

Abstract: An arc spinner interrupter has an insulation barrier disposed between the rotating arc and the stationary main contacts. The barrier includes a movable insulation follower which is moved into place when the movable contact withdraws from the center of a main stationary contact finger cluster which surrounds the movable contact. In another embodiment, the barrier is a stationary disk.

Abstract: A contact construction is disclosed for a circuit interrupter of the type in which an arc drawn between cooperating arcing contacts is caused to circulate around an axis and through a dielectric gas in order to extinguish the arc. The movable contact is so constructed that the current path is directed radially relative to the contact axis so that a magnetic force is applied radially inward to the arc which roots on the movable contact. This magnetic force tends to move the arc root on the movable contact to the innermost radial position on the movable contact. The arc is also forced in a direction away from exteriorly positioned main contact components.

Abstract: A single pressure sulfur hexafluoride circuit interrupter is contained in a bottle or elongated, cylindrical housing filled with gas under moderate pressure. The bottle contains arcing and main contacts arranged generally along the axis of the bottle and arranged to separate from one another in the vicinity of a pair of spaced, conductive rings fixed relative to one another, and which serve as arc runners. Each of the rings is connected in series with a respective coil which is wound on the axis of its respective ring and which encircles the cooperating contact and conductors therefor. The coils and the conductive rings create a magnetic field which spins an arc drawn between the spaced short-circuited rings through the sulfur hexafluoride gas, thereby to extinguish the arc.

Abstract: The nozzle of a puffer type breaker is provided with a plurality of ports of different downstream lengths having different diameters and angles of entry which communicate from the region at generated high pressure into the arcing region within the nozzle.